Changing my mind

Again!  Do you ever do that?  Think you have something completely thought out as to how you are going to do it, get started, and COMPLETELY change your mind?  I had decided that I was going to do simple loopy quilting on my winter challenge quilt, "Morning Frost".

I figured it would work well, suited the design, and would be fast to do.  This, I felt was important, because I have a number of projects to get completed as Christmas presents, and the sooner I get done this one, the sooner I'm on to the next.  Also, because this is my first large quilt to do on my domestic machine, I wanted it to be manageable!
Well!
I had no sooner done my warm up practice loops then I decided I wanted more.  Instead of this being a quick and done quilt job, I'm still working away on it -  
Its got feathers

its got swirls

its got fill patterns

 and I don't know what all it will have by the time I'm finished!  I am liking it, but oohh its taking time!

(a view of the back)

What comes next?  More of the same I guess, but let me tell you now - my next quilt is going to be straight lines!

Two down!

I've managed to finish off two of my UFOs, only 5 more to go for the UFO challenge!

The first is one I started in a class about 3 years ago.  It's made entirely from my stash.  When I couldn't find a tan fabric that I liked, I tea-dyed some.  Quite pleased with how its turned out, although some of the early quilting is a little rough!

This one dates back even further - 5 or 6 years ago, also a class.  Back before I fully "got" contrast!  I decided to use it as a quilting practise piece, and used some metallic thread on the black to try to add a bit more contrast.

Now, on to What Comes Next.  This one is much newer, made this past summer - I first blogged about it here.  This was a guild challenge, which I have now added borders to to make it 70" sq.  It will be a Christmas present.  It is also the largest quilt that I have attempted to quilt myself.  Wish me luck!

Happy Quilting!

Progress on UFOs

Even when working on my UFOs, I can't seem to stick with one thing and get it finished!  I've been busy getting my Inchie swap finished

Working away on some Christmas embroideries that I'll be using on cards, little pictures or gift bags:

Quilting a couple of UFOs that have been around for years!

and

I'm really happy with my progress, although I wish I could say I had finished something on my list!

While working on the quilting on Cranberry Salsa I have broken 4 or 5 needles!  Most frustrating!  I'm using metallic thread, but I have slowed down, am using Sewer's Aid, have reduced my tension and am using a metalica needle!  Any thoughts anyone?  At this rate I will be changing my plans and not doing all the metallic thread quilting I was thinking of!  Uusally my problem with metallics is thread shredding - not an issue this time.  All said, I am pleased with how it is looking so far, though.

How are you doing with your UFOs?

Lest we forget

November 11

ORTS and sorts

Do you know what an ort is?  I didn't, but I do now!  Thanks to Krista at Poppyprints, I now know that it is those snippets of thread we all end up with when we're stitching. To help us control all these orts, Krista is having a giveaway .  Very cute thread catcher made out of some gorgeous Japanese fabric - go check it out!  Entries close Sunday night, so don't delay!

UFO Alert!

Spotted,

lurking on the shelves,

in the boxes and in bags on the floor,

 its finally time to try and corral these creatures and move them on to their rightful places!  Do you have problems with these critters at your place too?  Then it sounds like you need Tallgrass Prairie Studios latest challenge - Joy in the New Year.  The goal is to get the UFOs that are lurking about all finished by the new year - its a tough challenge, but with each other's support, I'm pretty sure we can make a pretty sizeable impact on these hoards!  I've got 7 on my list to try and have finished before the new year begins.  Some of these are new, and "technically" I shouldn't have started them, but can you ignore an interesting looking challenge?  I can't! The WaveRunner was just that!

and some of them have been hanging around for years, and I've got no good excuse for not finishing them up.  They will, in fact, make some good Christmas presents if I get my act in gear!  AND, as if I really need it, they will justify the starting of -  I don't know, maybe half a dozen?? new projects before Christmas!  Are you up for the challenge?

Happy UFO hunting!